SARATOGA SPRINGS — In his first shift of the state semifinals last March, Brendon Wormley's wrist was pinned awkwardly against the boards. Although he was hurting, Wormley played for a Saratoga Springs hockey team bidding for a berth in the state championship game.

It was revealed after the game that Wormley's wrist was much more than just painful.

"He played the entire game with a broken wrist and even had an assist on the game-tying goal," Saratoga coach Dave Torres said. "We didn't know until the game was over that the wrist was broken."

Saratoga lost the game in overtime against Pittsford.

If Saratoga is successful this season in claiming its fourth straight Section II title, expect to see Wormley, in his fifth year for the Blue Streaks, leading the way.

The multi-talented senior defenseman is equally skilled on the offensive side of the ice as he is in the Saratoga defensive zone, and Torres considers Wormley to be an extension of himself when he is on the ice.

"He's like another coach out there," Torres said. "He's a stud player. He's been on varsity since eighth grade, and there is a reason for that. He's got all the tools."

Wormley, who has played in five games in the state finals, is accustomed to performing under pressure against the state's best.

"The game of hockey is quick, either way, but experience definitely helps," Wormley said. "I played in eighth grade and played in some big games in tournaments in Rochester and Syracuse. It helps having that experience in knowing what you have to do."

Wormley, one of the Blue Streaks' tri-captains, makes sure to spend time with his younger teammates to help bring them along.

"I'm no higher or lower than anyone on the team," Wormley said. "It's one of my natural characteristics, I guess, just being there for people. Just showing them on the ice what they are supposed to do."

Torres said Wormley's biggest asset is his instinct, along with having a good feel for the game.

"His greatest strength is team awareness," Torres said. "He is so aware of the whole game and all that is going on around him. He knows where people are and what people are doing. People respect him in the locker room.